Discovery raises hope for new methods to prevent the spread of HIV
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins capable of blocking the HIV virus from penetrating T-cells, raising hope that the proteins could be adapted for use in gels or sexual lubricants to provide a potent barrier against HIV infection.
The proteins, called cnidarins, were found in a feathery coral collected in waters off Australia’s northern coast. Researchers zeroed in on the proteins after screening thousands of natural product extracts in a biorepository maintained by the National Cancer Institute. “It’s always thrilling when you find a brand-new protein that nobody else has ever seen before,” said senior investigator Barry O’Keefe, Ph.D., deputy chief of the Molecular Targets Laboratory at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research. “And the fact that this protein appears to block HIV infection—and to do it in a completely new way—makes this truly exciting.”
In the global fight against AIDS, there is a pressing need for anti-HIV microbicides that women can apply to block HIV infection without relying on a man’s willingness to use a condom. Koreen Ramessar, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the National Cancer Institute and a member of the research team, said cnidarins could be ideally suited for use in such a product because the proteins block HIV transmission without encouraging the virus to become resistant to other HIV drugs.
“When developing new drugs, we’re always concerned about the possibility of undermining existing successful treatments by encouraging drug resistance in the virus,” said O’Keefe. “But even if the virus became resistant to these proteins, it would likely still be sensitive to all of the therapeutic options that are currently available.”
The research team identified and purified the cnidarin proteins, then tested their activity against laboratory strains of HIV. The proteins proved astonishingly potent, capable of blocking HIV at concentrations of a billionth of a gram by preventing the first step in HIV transmission, in which the virus must enter a type of immune cell known as the T-cell.
“We found that cnidarins bind to the virus and prevent it from fusing with the T-cell membrane,” said Ramessar. “This is completely different from what we’ve seen with other proteins, so we think the cnidarin proteins have a unique mechanism of action.”
The next step is to refine methods for generating cnidarins in larger quantities so the proteins can be tested further to identify potential side effects or activity against other viruses. “Making more of it is a big key,” said O’Keefe. “You can’t strip the Earth of this coral trying to harvest this protein, so our focus now is on finding ways to produce more of it so we can proceed with preclinical testing.”
The scientists discovered cnidarins while screening for proteins, a largely understudied component of natural product extracts found in the National Cancer Institute’s extract repository. The institute maintains a large collection of natural specimens gathered from around the world under agreements with their countries of origin. The specimens are available to researchers across the United States.
“The natural products extract repository is a national treasure,” said O’Keefe. “You never know what you might find. Hopefully, discoveries like this will encourage more investigators to use this resource to identify extracts with activity against infectious disease.”
It is quite remarkable that such a protein has been discovered and if it truly works, it will surely be a breakthrough. I’ve recently heard about frequency-therapy – a therapy through which a disease can be cured by killing the organism causing the disease with specific frequencies. Isn’t it possible that this therapy can be used to cure HIV?
I recently read a blog relating to how low cholesterol in immune cells slows HIV progression. The blog described a similar process for how the transfer of the virus is prevented. Low cholesterol in immune cells also inhibits the first step in HIV transmission, which requires that the virus be transmitted to a T-cell. This suggests that we should be focusing on preventing the transfer of the disease to these cells. If cnidarians and low cholesterol in immune cells could be used together to inhibit this transfer to T-cells, then it could very easily be possible that these discoveries may lead to both preventions and cures for the disease.
IS HIV REALLY GOING TO BE PREVENTED AFTER SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE VIRUS ,SHOULD WE EVEN GET OUR HOPES UP?
Could there really be a way to prevent HIV infection? For so many years scientists have been searching high and low for a slight hint of how to prevent this infection and now, after finding this protein they have finally found what they have been searching for! Thousands of women and men worry daily over the thought of possibly obtaining HIV from their partner during sexual intercourse. But now that there could possibly be a protein that could somehow block the spread of HIV infection, this could relieve the stress for many people. Discovering these cnidarin proteins could prove highly revolutionary in the world of science. These could possibly help reduce the number of HIV infected people in the world and could potentially prevent millions from dying from the disease, in turn lowering the death rate. The discovery of these particular proteins is truly remarkable which could prove beneficial to so many people.
The issue of mass production raised by Fellin Lottering 14103029 is quite a serious matter. Nearly 5 years ago coral reefs where estimated to cover a space of an approximate of 284 300 square kilometres. But the raise in sea temperature, sea level and the ph change from acidic all as a result of greenhouse effects does pose a threat to their ecosystem.
But hopefully Recombinant DNA which is the method of producing insulin from E.Coli cells brought up by A Karodia will serve as a solution. As it involves extracting genes from one cell and combining them with the DNA of another I do see this mechanism being a long term solution as DNA does replicate.
HIV is a very big problem, not only in South Africa, but all over the world.
This new protein gives hope to the infected people, because they now have a new possibility of a cure. Even if this protein does not kill the virus, it still shows possibilities for further studies for a cure.
The fact that the scientists think farther to not only use these proteins, but to produce more without having to use up all of the natural ones is impressive. It makes people more excited about the research of these proteins.
If this protein’s abilities to stop the virus from binding with the T-cell could be added to medicine or other agents, there will be even more possibilities to find cures, not only for HIV but other viruses as well.
This study has the potential to inspire the creation of a full proof method to prevent the contraction of HIV and thereby could potentially create a lowering in the number of AIDS cases reported. this protein is unique in the fat that it won’t affect the efficiency of other anti HIV drugs while being used in conjunction with these medications. The discovery of this protein could also lead to more research being done into the mechanism of how the protein prevents the virus from binding to T cells and perhaps could inspire research into similar proteins in preventing the contraction of other types of diseases.
The discovery of this new protein is a revolutionary one!! And will hopefully help women from contracting HIV.
At the end of “Fellin Lottering (14103029)” comment she mentioned her excitement with regards to the method of mass production of the protein. Could similar technology to that is used in the production of Insulin for diabetics by the modification of the bacteria E.coli to be able to produce the insulin be used as an alternative to the destruction of coral reefs?
The protein cnidarins that were found in the feathery coral in the waters in Australia is truly remarkable. A all natural protein barrier against HIV that is wonderful news. This finding can also lead to a cure for HIV. I’m glad that they realise they can’t exploit the coral reef and are looking for alternatives. In my opinion our oceans are filled with magical things some witch will kill you but there is also those that can help us find cures for all kinds of diseases. But like every thing else in this world the ocean is noy a endless put of resources so we have to protect it. It hope this cnidarins proteins can lead to a cure for HIV because of all the lives that has already been lost due to it.
HIV is a great cause of death in the world, especially in African countries and the mere hope that there may be a full-proof way to prevent it is absolutely exciting. It is incredible the opportunities that the discoveries of this new protein can bring due to the fact that the mechanism by which the protein binds to the HIV virus prevents it from infecting T-cells can be studied. This understanding can provide a platform for the development of drugs that can inhibit the HIV virus from infecting T-Cells. Studying this mechanism may allow scientists to develop a similar drug that mimics the inhibition of the protein against the HIV virus and this can be used not only to prevent the infection of HIV into T-Cells but also reverse the infection in people who already have the disease. The possibilities of this discovery seems endless and is extremely exciting for the medical community and people all over the world infected by HIV.
The Potent Anti-HIV protein found in the coral reefs will bring a great deal of hope to this world. Especially to the people of my land South Africa as it is a country greatly ravaged by this virus in Jan 27 2012 4.4 Million people have been recorded to have died from the virus and it continues to devastate our land as it mostly affects people between the ages of 15 to 49 years as that is our most productive sector. What is most encouraging about this new protein is that it disarms the virus from becoming drug resistant which is what most virus are known for doing making it a larger problem to find cures for them. Having it adapted to use by woman foresees us having a greater generation of babies that are born HIV free meaning they will be healthier and stronger and providing countries with a greater future. This also means that women will be able to protect themselves from the virus when having sexual intercourse with men who are unwilling to use protection with 500 000 rape cases being recorded in South Africa alone.
This new discovery of proteins that could prevent HIV infection is extremely significant. The treatment currently being used to prevent HIV infection is antiretroviral (ARV) medication.
The problem with ARV is that it has disadvantageous side-effects, such as nausea, severe fatigue, diarrhea, fever and muscle aches. The treatment also has to be completed for it to work efficiently and this normally takes long. These factors often lead to people discontinuing the treatment.
Thanks to the discovery of cnidarian proteins, HIV infections could be prevented without people having to go through ARV. Hopefully this discovery will lead to more people taking action in preventing HIV infection, contributing enormously to the wellbeing of millions of individuals.
A concern that could arise now that this discovery has been made is that the cnidarians could be depleted to extinction. But fortunately, scientists could use Biotechnology to make reconstructions of these proteins, making it a limitless source without endangering the cnidarians.
This is indeed a very exciting discovery!
Im completely taken back by this amazing discovery, it is not everyday that one finally achieves such a great height of success when it comes to HIV. This prevention method will definitely save millions of lives but i honestly feel that people who have coitus casually with any Tom, Dick or Harry shouldnt take advantage of this HIV prevention measure as they are going to be decreasing the coral reef population significantly. These poor plants shouldnt give up their lives just so you could go around having sexual intercourse for your own enjoyment and pleasure! It really is unfair.
I believe that an efficient way to produce this prevention measure should be established by which the coral reef is conserved.
The cnidarin protein is truly an immaculate discovery as it can also prevent the transmission of various other viruses.
I believe that this discovery gives hope to humankind and proves that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to something. We are now progressing and its quite hopeful of me to say that we may even find a cure for HIV and cancer. Scientists are working on it as we speak and i honestly cant wait for the day when it actually happens. Hence this current discovery is a big step towards ultimate success.
This seems to be a incredible breakthough in terms of the fight against HIV. The discovery of these proteins just proves how important the role of the prevention of a virus actually plays. By preventing the virus from actually binding to the T-cells the person would be safe from contracting the virus and eliminate the risk having the need for treatment. Another positive outcome is that the scientists wish to conserve the coral that contain these cniradin proteins.and what is to stop them from using this knowledge to create cures or prevention methods for other viruses ?
This is truly an amazing discovery however if we do not start conserving the coral populations, further research and eventually the use of these proteins will not be possible. Humans have contributed greatly to the degradation of the coral reefs on earth. Clear, shallow waters are essential for the survival of the coral reefs. Silting, algal growth and predation of coral reefs are the causes of human activities and lead to the death of the coral populations. Therefore the conservation of the coral reefs are essential for the use of the proteins to prevent the spread of HIV.
If the application of these cnidarin proteins proves successful, this would be a ground-breaking achievement in the fight against the spread of HIV. Its highly effective capability of blocking the HIV virus from infecting T-cells proves its potential to become a potent drug or substance in preventing HIV infection.
The cnidarin proteins can also be used to empower woman who are victims, majority of the time, to HIV infection because of careless males who refuse to wear condoms. If a microbicide is made, it can also be used by woman who live in areas where rape is common, so as to prevent infection in this unfortunate circumstance.
Another important quality is that it does not affect other anti-HIV drugs. However, further research should be done on the side effects or harmful qualities it poses on application to the human body.
Caution, however, must be taken in the harvesting on these precious proteins. The destruction of coral reefs must be prevented, and a method of mass production of the proteins should be found. Further research into where else these proteins can be found, i.e. from a more renewable source, should be pursued.
Nevertheless, the discovery of these cnidarin proteins posts a great potential in the widespread struggle against HIV and AIDS. It will improve many lives and also prevent HIV from ruining many lives too, It is exciting to see the results if these proteins ever go to human trials.
A prevention of HIV fusing with the T-cells being found in a protein in coral is an amazing discovery! One that I would be interested in learning how it came about. The hope that this discovery will reduce the spread of HIV is one that I completely join in. However, the concerns raised in the above comments about whether this may lead to an increase in promiscuity due to removal of the fear of contracting the virus are valid. With the adaptations of the protein into gels and sexual lubricants, there may be a rise in sexual activity, and STDs may also spread at a greater rate. It will also depend largely on the manner in which the products will be distributed, whether they will be free or come at a cost, or perhaps take the form of vaccinations.
All these factors will be taken into consideration in future I am sure. Currently the most important course of action will lie in extracting the protein without compromising already diminishing coral populations.
This is a ground breaking discovery that has the potential to save millions of lives. Not only can the cnidarin protein be used to prevent the transmission of HIV, but it can also be used to prevent the transmission of other viruses.
It is great to see scientists using the environment effectively, whilst still bearing in mind their carbon footprint on the Earth. By searching for other viable options to mass produce the cnidarin protein scientists, are reducing our dependence and damage to the environment .
How does this protein work? Will this protein only be used to prevent the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse, or will there be another usable form of the protein that can be used by people, such as medical practitioners, who have a high exposure to HIV on a daily basis? If so one would agree that the discovery of this protein is indeed a remarkable one, as this protein will be an invaluable asset to developing countries and regions of the world that have populations ravaged by HIV.
If cnidarins can be mass-produced, there is potential to stop the spread of the AIDS virus in the next generation, thereby decreasing mortality rates and improving economies. This is made even more poignant by the fact people’s reliance on condoms (which don’t work in most cases) and antiretrovirals will decrease as a result.
It is always cheaper to prevent a disease than it is to treat it or, cure it. With areas like Sub-Saharan Africa being ravaged by AIDS and civil war, a preventative measure that works (i.e. is more reliable than condoms) could turn some countries around.
By having a preventative measure that can be used effectively, by one party, it greatly reduces the risk of spreading AIDS. One of the worst ways the virus is spread in Sub-Saharan African is through the intentional rape of victims by members of rebel militias. This leads to the need for antiretroviral medication which is expensive and is needed on a regular basis. It also leads to the potential of a new generation being born with the disease.
If these proteins can be made available on a large scale, and cheaply enough, they could potentially turn around countries such as the DRC. Countries, which have been destroyed by the disease, will have lower mortality rates and as a result, a larger workforce of young, healthy individuals who are no longer at risk spreading the disease.
This is very exciting news! The fact that the scientists are still doing research on such a large scale in order for us to find a cure for this disease that has caused so many lives to be taken really inspires me, they could of given up long ago but yet now they have found something as small and as simple as a protein on a coral reef that can potentially save millions of lives. This is a major breakthrough in research and I only hope that it ends up being successful and we can prevent this disease from causing anymore damage. The only concern I have is that the coral will be depleted and become like so many other natural resources, non- renewable. I can only hope as said in the article, that the coral reefs will be protected in order for them not to be exploited.